More gun retailers raising the age of firearm sales to 21 years old

Gun sales have dipped since President Trump won the election in 2016, but spikes generally happen following mass shootings, like the school shooting in Florida on Feb. 14.
ANNA REED / Statesman Journal

Gun-control proponents have praised the sales bans at major retailers, but the range of outlets that sell guns across the U.S. means most people who want one won't have trouble getting their hands on one. Approximately 6,800 shops, 8,000 pawnbrokers and 56,000 federally-licensed dealers can sell guns in America.

Gun advocates have taken exception to the new sales bans. Richard Thomson, a grassroots director with the Firearms Policy Coalition, said in a statement the stores "are alienating millions of their customers and going out of their way to take troubling political positions."

Federal criminal background check data suggests sales of guns across the nation have dropped between 2016 and 2017 as President Donald Trump has calmed gun proponents' concerns about major gun-control measures being passed. Firearm sales usually pick up when customers fear a legislative crackdown.

Here are the retailers that have announced they'll raise the minimum age for gun sales to 21 years old:

Bi-Mart

Bi-Mart said Thursday its stores have never sold AR- or AK-style rifles, though they "support the responsible use and sale of firearms."

"We agree with many policy makers and our peers that increasing the age limit to 21, in order to purchase a firearm, is a step in the right direction," the company said in a statement Thursday.

"In support, Bi-Mart and Cascade Farm and Outdoor stores, a division of Bi-Mart, will only sell guns and ammunition to those 21 or older that meet state and federal requirements for purchasing firearms.

"Our goal is to support responsible firearm use and make a positive contribution to the local, regional and national discussion of this issue."

There is one Bi-Mart in Salem.

Fred Meyer

Kroger also announced Thursday it will stop sales of guns to customers younger than 21 years old at its Fred Meyer stores.

Fred Meyer, a grocery and home goods retailer, has a massive presence in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. There are three Fred Meyer stores in Salem.

Kroger said in a statement posted to Twitter it had ended sales of assault-style weapons at stores in Oregon, Idaho and Washington years ago. The company also said Fred Meyer gun departments are being phased out because of slowing customer demand for the products.

"We believe these are common-sense steps we can take immediately that are in line with our values and our vision," the company said.

Walmart

Walmart said Wednesday it was ending sales of firearms and ammunition to shoppers younger than 21, following a similar announcement by Dick's Sporting Goods.

The company said it doesn't sell hand guns except in Alaska and will continue to do so there. Walmart stopped selling AR-15-style rifles in 2015.

On Thursday, Walmart said in a statement, "We are also removing items from our website resembling assault-style rifles, including nonlethal airsoft guns and toys.

"Our heritage as a company has always been in serving sportsmen and hunters, and we will continue to do so in a responsible way."

Dick's Sporting Goods

Dick's Sporting Goods was the first company this week to announce it would raise the age of gun sales to 21. The company also said it would completely end sales of assault-style rifles and high-capacity magazines.

The national sporting-goods retailer has five Oregon locations, including one in Salem.

Chief Executive Ed Stack said in a statement, "We at Dick's Sporting Goods are deeply disturbed and saddened by the tragic events in Parkland. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims and their loved ones.

"But thoughts and prayers are not enough," he said.

Stack went on to say his company had sold the alleged Parkland shooter, Cruz, a shotgun in November 2017, although it wasn't the gun he used in the shooting.

"But it could have been," Stack said. "Clearly this indicates on so many levels that the systems in place are not effective to protect our kids and our citizens."